Fine Art Blog

Category: Famous Artists

  • Artist Rolf Harris news – receives an honorary Degree in the UK & celebrates Australia Day too!

    Last week Rolf Harris received an honorary degree form Hope University in Liverpool U.K. & it was somewhat of a double celebration for the veteran artist, as it was also Australia day on the very same day: Jan 26th 2010. Rolf found time to pull out an Australian flag at the event for the media!

    The award recognises his lifelong contribution to both music and art education & Rolf has also said he would return to Hope University later in 2010 for a new exhibition of his work, something sure to bring big crowds into the University gallery.

    Two amazing quotes from Rolf’s Speech at the event stick in my mind:

    ‘The greatest gift my parents gave me was the belief that you can do whatever you want to do, as long as you know what you want to do and do your homework…

    …I wish my mother and father could have been here to see this. They were always so supportive of me. They would have been immensely proud.”

    As indeed we all are Rolf!

    More Links, Videos & Pictures of the event:
    www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk
    Hope University’s coverage
    www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

  • Australian artist Rolf Harris – Can you tell that im turning 80 years old yet?

    Just released are these 2 new limited editions by Rolf Harris for Spring 2009 & with just over 2 months until Rolf Harris’s 80th birthday on March 30th 2010, these are sure to be very special pieces.


    ‘Into The Sun’ by Rolf Harris

    ‘Into The sun,’ is a stunning lioness face study & Rolf captures beautifully the features of this most majestic of animals; stalking her prey or about to start a chase? the viewer is left to decide!


    ‘Uluru Sunset’ By Rolf Harris

    ‘Uluru Sunset’ is the second piece. Uluru, also known worldwide as ‘Ayers Rock,’ is the world famous landmark in Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. To view the sunset there is one of the most popular excursions in the whole of Australia. With the rich warm colours, Rolf captures perfectly the scene in his trademark style.

    As is usual now they are released as (1) an on paper version, which comes mounted/matted (with its borders) and will need to be glassed and framed or (2) an on canvas board edition: these are of a higher print quality & are as near a match to his original painting as possible, these are designed to not be framed but not glassed.


    Rolf with his wobble board

    Demand for these is huge, own a part of art history and be a part of Rolf Harris’ s 80th birthday year by owning these stunning pieces

    Thanks you

    James

    Links:
    Everchanging colours of Ayers Rock on video
    Living With Lions, lion conservation group
    Rolf Harris to do a song with Dizzee Rascal & the Chemical Brothers for his 80th Birthday!

  • Timmy Mallett: not just a TV talent but an Artist as well!

    Firstly please make sure you not sipping tea or using heavy plant machinery, ok here goes…I bet you didn’t know Timmy is now an up & coming UK artist. Surprised? Well read on…

    Timmy Mallett began his media career as a radio presenter, starting at BBC Radio Oxford in the early 1980s and later as a children’s television presenter starting on TV-am. He would become known to millions of viewers of early morning TV for his eccentric dress sense, consisting of brightly coloured shirts & crazy Elton John-esque glasses & his ultra hi-energy presenting.


    Sunflowers In France by Timmy Mallet

    Many will have memories of Timmy’s actual toy Mallet: Pinky Punky or ‘Mallet’s Mallet’ on TV or dancing to Mallett’s Cover of “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” or more recently in 2008 TV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’


    Rooftops By The Castle – Original by Timmy Mallet

    Timmy’s love of art runs very deep & a little known fact is that he studied History of Art, as part of his ‘History’ degree, when attending the prestigious Warwick University (U.K). Mallet has always painted but surprising it was only in recent years that he has decided to ‘put his artwork out there’ & the results, as you can see are pretty extraordinary; Showing a depth of artistic talent not normally associated with zany TV characters! Timmy Mallett’s recognition as an artist is growing rapidly.


    Shoreline Sunset by Timmy Mallett

    He is also good friends with fellow artist & TV personality Rolf Harris (now an accomplished published artist of some 7 years) and many say they have similar style. Mallett has painted many famous faces including Sir Clive Woodward, Ulrika Jonsson and Jim Rosenthal during Queen Elisabeth’s Golden Jubilee.


    Tower Bridge by Timmy Mallett

    For 2010, Timmy has released some new pieces which are refreshing and his use of colours intriguing. Don’t be too quick to judge Timmy before studying his artwork carefully. Although his celebrity name might get bums on seats, or bums into galleries!, this is no celebrity cash-in but a serious artist whose talents should be appreciated.

    Thanks for reading

    James

    links:
    Timmy’s first Scottish Exhibition in 2008
    Official Wacaday website
    Surrey Herald Article on Timmy’s artwork

  • Artist Beryl Cook: Sadly Missed but Never Forgotton

    She was well known for painting slightly larger ladies on a night out on the town, in short, tight dresses as well as enjoying other frivolities. Beryl Cook’s humorous take on the human race created a very big following for this talented lady. She was been lucky enough to be on TV, had films made about her, was made an OBE and all because a friend who owned an auction in Plymouth persuaded her to sell some of her art in their shop!


    Clubbing In The Rain by Beryl Cook

    She was born in 1926 and did not show any artisitc talent in her youth. However, in 1943 she was a showgirl in a touring production called “The Gypsy Princess” and that, coupled with work experience in the fashion industry, was her inspiration and caused her fascination with the way people look and dress. This we can clearly see in her art.


    Hen Night by Beryl Cook

    Later, while living in Plymouth with her husband, she used to go out to bars and clubs where they enjoyed watching the flamboyance of drag shows. This was another inspiration which has affected her style in her art work.


    Panto Dame by Beryl Cook

    Beryl Cook’s work was first exhibited in 1975 and was highly successful. In fact, it was so successful that an article was done in the Sunday Times about her works shortly after, followed by a call from a London Gallery who offered Beryl her first ever London Exhibition, and the rest is history!


    Tarzanogram by Beryl Cook

    She has said that other artists that have inspired her work include Stanley Spencer and Edward Burra.

    Beryl recieved an OBE in 1995, and even contributed to the Queens Golden Jubilee exhibition in 2002 which was another great success for her.

    Finally, she has been televised several times, whether they be in animation form, documentary or Chat show:
    A film was made about her for The South Bank Show.
    2 half hour animated films were made about her with an all star cast which was called “Bosom Pals” This also won some awards for Beryl.
    Also, in 2005 Channel 4 did a short film about her work, and in 2006 BBC featured her in a show called “Art School”.

    Sadly, Berly passed away in May 2008. But she lives on through her many fans and her sense of humour will forever be visible in her work.

    Click here to see The Guardians obituary for this talented lady

    Thanks for reading

    Vicki